The deputy minister for administrative affairs at the Education Ministry, Julio Cordero, told Hoy newspaper that they do not know the whereabouts of RD$23 million that appears as having been paid from the National Treasury to his ministry, but says it was never received. The money corresponds to a budgeted allotment for December 2003. Cordero mentioned that his department owes suppliers of the public school breakfast program over RD$200 million, and not RD$130 million as was reported earlier. The program is vital because it serves as a major encouragement for parents to send their children to school. Cordero confirmed that suppliers have suspended the deliveries while awaiting payments.